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He said: "It doesn't seem real and this is a nightmare where I am standing here with his little coffin in front of me. I still feel I will wake up from this and see his smile.

"Words can't describe how heartbroken I am. From day one he had the most contagious smile I have ever seen. I watched him grow and saw him turn into a little chunky monkey and he was a real fighter.

A number of mourners wore Stoke City shirts

"I don't think I will ever heal from losing my baby boy. I promise you son, you will be proud of me. This is not goodbye forever, it's until we meet again."

Mum Georgia, aged 22, said she was thankful to have spent the time she had with Arthur. Her tribute, read out by Michelle Fahey, said: "I am so thankful to have been your mummy - you left such a mark on my heart that will never be filled.

"You are my darling baby boy and I miss you more every day and cherish every second I spent with you. Arthur Philip, you changed my life.

"Instead of watching you walk, I can now watch you fly. I love you more than all the stars in the sky."

Arthur Keeling, who died of sepsis at the age of 14 months

Darren and Georgia - who live in Silverdale withtheir daughters, two-year-old twins, Martha and Nancy - were able to spend time with Arthur at the Donna Louise after he passed away.

They have already raised £1,000 for the Trentham Lakes charity and money collected at the funeral will also be donated.

Pastor Edwin Cotter, who led the service, said Arthur had touched many lives.

He said: "Although his life was cut so short he made such a phenomenal impact on all of us. The family wanted me to place on record how amazing the nursing staff at the hospital were along with the amazing love and care from the Donna Louise.

"From the moment Arthur learned to smile it became his favourite past-time and it would light up a room."

The service included the hymns All Things Bright and Beautiful, and This Little Light of Mine.